Though snowbirds (travelers who migrate from colder Northern regions to warmer Southern climates) frequently drive along the outskirts of the region via I-95, few travelers know what awaits beyond the exit. The Greater Fayetteville area is a pleasant treat of stunning natural views and unique experiences for travelers embarking on long journeys along the Interstate 95 route.

Extend your rest stop into a complete overnight stay where your entire group can fully recharge at comfortable lodging options conveniently positioned near the exit. Refuel with delicious cuisine just miles from your hotel. 

Easily expand your pit stop into a relaxing overnight stay with over 15 hotel options just a few miles from the exit ramp that belong to Hilton, Wyndham, and Choice brands, to name a few. Browse our entire lodging catalog ahead of your trip to secure a good night's rest for everyone. 

 

Hotel Suite

Outdoor Exploration

Comprising 77 luscious acres, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat for everyone on the trip. 

Cape Fear Botanical Garden | 536 North Eastern Boulevard

Stop and stretch aching limbs along paved pathways and must-see garden spots. Use this break to connect and check in with your traveling partners and friends while wandering the 1800s NC Heritage and Interactive Children's Garden, and Cape Fear River Trail & Overlook. 

Plan ahead to make the most of your visit. The CFBG curates events that bring the budding natural beauty to life through programs like Yoga at the Garden and Tai Chi in the Garden, which invite you to move your body amongst a picturesque backdrop, and Family Night Hike & Campfire, where families and groups can gather around, unwind, and stargaze. 

Sweet Valley Ranch | 2990 Sunnyside School Road

Unplug and unwind with your group or your family at a tranquil escape just a short distance from the city. Sweet Valley Ranch blends tranquility and excitement with charming rustic decor and a variety of farm animals and well-stocked fishing ponds, which provide a truly peaceful setting after long hours of travel. 

Include adventure in your over-the-road journey and retreat to a Sweet Valley Farmhouse. Wake up refreshed to the sound of animals greeting the day and take your first sips of coffee on a peaceful porch overlooking a serene pond waterfall. 

Active Rest and Refuel

Haymount Truck Stop | 100 Broadfoot Avenue

Decompress and dine in a city that boasts a booming food truck scene. Pull into the Haymount Truck Stop to refuel from an array of rotating food trucks. Travelers are introduced to the diverse identity of the Fayetteville region with their choice of Korean, German, Thai, Soul-Food, Mexican, and Filipino cuisine.

Haymount Truck Stop provides a flexible pet-friendly space optimal for everyone, including our furry friends to eat, drink, stretch out on the lawn, or retreat to games in the arcade.

Melvin’s at Riverside | 1130 Person Street

Fill up on Southern cuisine made with care, just two turns away from Exit 49: the turn onto the off-ramp and the turn into the parking lot at Melvin’s at Riverside. The Southern food restaurant welcomes travelers with rich flavors and soulful dishes meant to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered long after the trip resumes.

Situated along the Cape Fear River, guests can park, pause, and enjoy Southern favorites including brisket, ribs, catfish, baked beans, cabbage, macaroni and cheese, and more.

 

Experience Greater Fayetteville in Bloom

International Folk Festival

Align your annual trips with exciting festivals that celebrate and honor the cultural diversity of the Fayetteville region.

Every September, downtown Fayetteville transforms into a vibrant showcase of over 30 cultural groups with live performances and international cuisines. Plan an evening for your group to experience the incredible International Folk Festival with beauty from all over the world in one place, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Beyond Exit 49, Greater Fayetteville offers captivating green spaces to recharge, flexible family-friendly areas to explore, and savory dishes for refuel.

Take advantage of Fayetteville’s easy access to and from most points along the Eastern Seaboard with an overnight stay to explore more of its unique blend of historical richness, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.